Minneapolis Gift and Art Expo 2026: Dates, Tickets, Exhibitors, Shopping, Events and Visitor Guide
The holiday shopping season is almost here. And if you are looking for a fun, festive, and meaningful way to kick it off, the Minneapolis Gift and Art Expo 2026 is the event for you. This beloved annual show returns to the Twin Cities this November. It brings together hundreds of talented local artists, skilled makers, and unique boutiques under one roof. Whether you are searching for the perfect gift or simply want to enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with creativity, this expo has something for everyone.
What Is the Minneapolis Gift and Art Expo?
The Minneapolis Gift and Art Expo is one of the most popular holiday shopping events in Minnesota. It is organized by L&L Exhibition Management Inc. and hosted at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The show celebrates local creativity and craftsmanship. It gives shoppers a chance to discover one-of-a-kind items that they simply cannot find in a regular store.
This is not just a shopping trip. It is an experience. Visitors get to meet the makers behind the products. They can learn about the stories and inspiration behind each piece. The festive atmosphere makes it a joyful way to start the holiday season.
Key Event Details at a Glance
Here is a quick overview of everything you need to know before you go:
| Detail | Information |
| Event Name | Minneapolis Gift and Art Expo 2026 |
| Dates | November 6–8, 2026 |
| Venue | Minneapolis Convention Center, Hall A |
| Address | 1301 2nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55403 |
| Organizer | L&L Exhibition Management Inc. |
| Adult Admission | $6 |
| Children (Under 16) | FREE |
| Website | www.giftandartexpo.com |
Dates and Hours: When to Visit
The expo runs across three days in early November 2026. Each day has slightly different hours, so planning ahead is helpful.
| Day | Date | Hours |
| Friday | November 6, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Saturday | November 7, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | November 8, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Friday is ideal if you prefer a quieter visit with fewer crowds. Saturday tends to be the busiest and most energetic day, with live music running throughout the afternoon. Sunday offers a relaxed, final-day experience. Therefore, picking the right day depends on how you like to shop.
Tickets and Admission: How to Get In
Getting into the event is easy and affordable. Adult tickets are priced at just $6. Children under 16 years old enter for free, which makes this a great outing for families.
Additionally, visitors can sign up for a discount admission offer by entering their email on the official website at www.giftandartexpo.com. This coupon can be downloaded before the event, saving you money at the door. It is a simple way to enjoy more for less.
Venue: Minneapolis Convention Center, Hall A
The event takes place at the Minneapolis Convention Center, located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. The address is 1301 2nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55403.
The convention center is one of the premier facilities in the Twin Cities. Hall A is a spacious, comfortable setting that allows hundreds of exhibitors to display their work side by side. Because the event is entirely indoors, visitors do not need to worry about cold November weather. You can browse, shop, and enjoy the atmosphere in complete comfort.
Parking is available near the convention center. The venue is also accessible via public transit, making it easy to reach from various parts of the city. Visitors with disabilities will find the facility fully accessible as well.
What to Expect: A World of Shopping and Creativity
The show features a wide variety of products across several categories. Shoppers will find something to delight every person on their gift list. The range spans everything from fine art to gourmet food, and the quality is consistently high.
Here is a breakdown of the main shopping categories:
- Handmade jewelry and accessories
- Original paintings, prints, and photography
- Pottery and sculpture
- Textiles, apparel, and wearable art
- Home décor and homewares
- Holiday ornaments and seasonal decorations
- Gourmet food and specialty treats
- Skincare, soaps, and wellness products
- Woodworking and handcrafted furniture
- Candles and fragrance
Every item at the show is either handmade or sourced from carefully selected boutiques and artisans. This means your gifts will be truly unique. You simply will not find these products at a regular shopping mall.
Featured Artists and Makers
One of the greatest highlights of this event is the extraordinary lineup of artists and makers. The expo features both returning favorites and exciting new vendors. Here is a sample of the confirmed artists and makers participating in the 2026 show:
| Category | Featured Exhibitors |
| Jewelry | Earth Angel Jewelry, Jewelry by Samy, Stacey Johnson Jewelry Design, Handmade Love, Moxie Malas |
| Pottery & Ceramics | Colleen Creative Pottery, Holly Street Pottery, Kanga & Roo Pottery, Twice Baked Pottery, Prairie Smoke Pottery |
| Art & Illustration | Alyssa Whetstone Art, Amaddles Illustration, Emilie Taylor, Jennifer Abrahamson, Marshall Baltzell Art |
| Photography | Brian Curski Photography, Photos by Lynn13, Solsaas Focus, Media Studio One |
| Woodworking | EA WoodWorks LLC, Fox Lake Furniture, Tall Timber Woodcraft LLC |
| Skincare & Wellness | Abeke Skincare, Wenonah Body Lab, Yula Soap, Simply Soak Boutique |
| Home Décor | Charming Farm Creations, Dreaming Tree Creations, Rustic Metalz |
| Candles | Chalkboard Candle Co., Uff Da Candles |
| Apparel & Accessories | Sota Girl, NS Boutique, Simple-Trends |
| Textile & Fiber | Agate & Fiber Basketry, Sew Festive Embroidery Co., Stitch & Hammer Studio |
This is just a portion of the full list. Dozens more artists will be present across the show floor. With such a wide range of talent, shoppers are sure to discover something that truly speaks to them.
Gourmet Corner: Taste the Best of Local Food
Beyond crafts and art, the expo also features a dedicated Gourmet Corner. This section showcases local food producers and specialty food brands. It is a wonderful place to pick up edible gifts, try new flavors, and support small food businesses from the Minneapolis area.
Some of the gourmet vendors confirmed for the 2026 show include:
- Caprice’s Sweet Treats – homemade confections and baked goods
- Chocolate Moonshine – artisan chocolate products
- Coffee Cake Guys – fresh-baked coffee cakes
- Nikkolette’s Macarons – French-style macarons with unique flavors
- Paradise Popcorn Company – gourmet popcorn in creative varieties
- Patti’s Nuts & Granola – wholesome, handcrafted snack mixes
- Sofull Chai – specialty chai blends for tea lovers
- Firma Olive Oil & Olive Wood – premium imported olive products
- Minnesota Marshmallow – fluffy, artisan marshmallows in seasonal flavors
- JAM Sweets Bakery – indulgent baked treats
However, the gourmet section is not just about snacking. Many of these products make wonderful holiday gifts. A jar of handcrafted salsa, a box of macarons, or a set of premium spices can be a thoughtful and delicious present for anyone on your list.
Live Music: Enjoy Entertainment While You Shop
Shopping is even more enjoyable when great music is playing in the background. The Minneapolis Gift and Art Expo is known for featuring live performances from talented local musicians throughout the weekend.
Past performers have included Joey Bonner, a singer-songwriter known for his pop-punk covers and originals. QRRRKY, a St. Paul-based band with a bluesy, folksy rock sound, has also taken the stage. Jamison Murphy, a passionate singer-songwriter with an extensive catalogue of covers and original songs, rounds out the musical lineup.
Music performances typically run on Saturday and Sunday throughout the day. Check the official website for the 2026 performance schedule as the event draws closer.
Demo Features: Learn from the Makers
In addition to shopping and music, the expo also offers live demonstrations. Visitors can watch artists and makers at work right on the show floor. These demos give a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how handcrafted products come to life.
This interactive element sets the Gift and Art Expo apart from ordinary shopping experiences. Seeing a potter shape clay, a jeweler work with metal, or a painter add the final details to a canvas is genuinely inspiring. Additionally, demos give visitors the chance to ask questions and connect with creators on a personal level.
Tips for Visitors: How to Make the Most of Your Visit
Planning ahead will help you have the best possible experience. Here are some helpful tips before you go:
- Arrive early to get the best selection of one-of-a-kind items.
- Bring a bag or tote to carry your purchases comfortably.
- Wear comfortable shoes since the show floor covers a large area.
- Download your email discount coupon before arriving to save on admission.
- Visit the Gourmet Corner early, as popular food items tend to sell out quickly.
- Check the live music schedule on the website so you can plan around your favorite performers.
- Children under 16 enter free, so the event is perfect for a family outing.
- Parking is available nearby, but public transit is also a convenient option.
Getting There: Directions and Parking
The Minneapolis Convention Center is located in downtown Minneapolis, which makes it easy to reach from all directions.
By car, the venue sits at 1301 2nd Ave S. Several parking ramps are located nearby, including the 12th Street Ramp and the Convention Center Ramp. Rates vary by time and duration.
By public transit, Metro Transit buses serve the area well. The Green and Blue light rail lines also stop near the convention center at the Nicollet Mall Station. Therefore, commuters from the suburbs will find it easy to travel in without the hassle of parking.
Why the Minneapolis Gift and Art Expo Matters
Events like this one play an important role in supporting local economies. Every purchase made at the show goes directly to a small business or independent artist. That means your holiday shopping has a real and meaningful impact on your community.
The expo also brings people together in a shared celebration of creativity. It encourages shoppers to move away from mass-produced goods and choose items that carry personal stories and genuine craftsmanship. In a world full of fast fashion and disposable products, this event is a refreshing reminder of the value of handmade things.
Furthermore, the show has something for every budget. Whether you are spending $10 or $200, you will find quality gifts that feel thoughtful and special.
Conclusion
The Minneapolis Gift and Art Expo 2026 promises to be a memorable and rewarding event for everyone who attends. Running from November 6 to 8, 2026, at the Minneapolis Convention Center’s Hall A, the show brings together the very best of Twin Cities artistry, craftsmanship, and local food culture.
With affordable admission starting at just $6 for adults and free entry for children under 16, it is accessible to families, couples, and solo shoppers alike. The lineup of artists, gourmet vendors, live musicians, and live demos makes every visit feel fresh and engaging.
Whether you are looking to complete your holiday gift list, discover new local talent, or simply enjoy a festive atmosphere, this is an event you will not want to miss. Mark your calendar for November 6–8, 2026, and plan your visit to one of Minneapolis’s most beloved annual holiday shopping experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is the Minneapolis Gift and Art Expo 2026?
The expo runs from Friday, November 6 through Sunday, November 8, 2026. Friday hours are 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Saturday runs from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Sunday is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
How much do tickets cost for the Minneapolis Gift and Art Expo?
Adult admission is $6. Children under the age of 16 enter for free. Visitors can also sign up via email on the official website to receive a discount coupon for admission.
Where is the Minneapolis Gift and Art Expo held?
The event takes place at the Minneapolis Convention Center, Hall A, located at 1301 2nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55403.
What kinds of products can I find at the expo?
The show features a wide range of handcrafted items including jewelry, pottery, paintings, photography, textiles, woodworking, candles, skincare, and holiday décor. There is also a Gourmet Corner with specialty food products from local producers.
Is the Minneapolis Gift and Art Expo family-friendly?
Yes, absolutely. Children under 16 enter for free. The event includes live music, artist demonstrations, and a festive atmosphere that people of all ages can enjoy.
